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In Town for Graduation? Book the Whole Family's Stay.
Your Graduation Weekend Headquarters on the Waterfront
Graduation season fills the Bay Area each spring, and the families who travel in for commencement know the secret: book early, and stay somewhere that makes the whole weekend easy. From UC Berkeley to Oakland and East Bay colleges, universities, and high schools, our two waterfront hotels put you within easy reach of campuses across the East Bay — with room for the whole family, free breakfast to start the big day, and parking at just $17 per night. Reserve early; graduation weekends fill up fast.
- Central to UC Berkeley and Oakland and East Bay campuses
- Rooms and connecting suites for the whole family
- Hotel parking: $17 per night
- Free breakfast before the ceremony
- Waterfront pool to celebrate after
- Book early — commencement weekends sell out
Executive Inn & Suites — Embarcadero Cove, Oakland
A waterfront Oakland hotel with 143 guest rooms including 19 suites — a comfortable, central base for the whole family during graduation weekend. Many rooms feature a private balcony or patio with water views. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, a waterfront pool and spa, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site dining at The Cove.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast before the ceremony
- Room and suites for visiting family
- Waterfront pool and spa to celebrate after
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site dining — The Cove
Family in town for several nights? Save up to 25% with our Stay Longer, Save More rate the longer you stay (some blackouts apply) — ideal for graduation weekend.
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — Oakland
Just steps from Executive Inn & Suites on Oakland's Embarcadero, the Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel is another comfortable, highly rated option for graduation weekend. Enjoy a relaxing stay with breakfast included and parking at just $17 per night when you book direct.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast for registered guests
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site dining — The Cove (Executive Inn & Suites)
- Level 2 EV charging stations
Save more as a Best Western Rewards member. Join Best Western Rewards for free and unlock member-only rates — typically around 10% off the standard nightly rate at Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel. Membership is free, takes a couple of minutes to set up, and the discount applies right at booking.
Celebrate Graduation in Oakland and the East Bay
Spring is commencement season across the Bay Area, and Oakland sits right in the middle of it. UC Berkeley's ceremonies are a short drive away, and campuses and high schools throughout Oakland and the East Bay hold their graduations within easy reach of our hotels. Bringing family in from out of town? Our waterfront location gives everyone a comfortable, central base — close to the ceremony, with plenty to do to celebrate afterward.
- Minutes to Oakland and East Bay campuses; a short drive to UC Berkeley
- Comfortable rooms and suites for visiting family
- Free breakfast and $17 parking, every night of your stay
- Waterfront dining and celebrations nearby
Make a Weekend of It: What to Do While You're Here
Graduation brings the whole family to town, often for the first time. Oakland gives everyone something to do between the ceremony and the celebration dinner — all within a short drive of both hotels.
- Jack London Square — Waterfront dining, shopping, and a scenic stroll along the estuary, minutes from your room. An easy pick for the graduation dinner.
- Lake Merritt — Walk the loop around the lake, rent a paddleboat, or just enjoy the gardens. A relaxed morning for family of all ages.
- Oakland Museum of California — California's art, history, and culture under one roof, near Lake Merritt and a favorite for visiting relatives.
- Redwood Regional Park — Trade the city for towering redwoods just up in the Oakland hills. Hike, bike, or find a picnic spot with the family.
- UC Berkeley campus — Even if the ceremony is elsewhere, the campus is worth a wander. Take a guided tour or head up the Campanile for panoramic views across the Bay.
Planning for a larger family group or several rooms? Stay multiple nights and save with our Stay Longer, Save More rate.
Getting Around for the Big Day
Both hotels sit on Oakland's Embarcadero Cove, a central, easy-to-reach base for graduations across Oakland and the East Bay. Book direct, park at the hotel for just $17 per night, and reach the ceremony with time to spare.
An Easy Base for Campus Visits
- Short drive to UC Berkeley and East Bay campuses
- Minutes from downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt
- Easy freeway access via I-880, plus BART nearby
Hotel Addresses
- Executive Inn & Suites — 1755 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
- Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — 1717 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA
Make a Weekend of the Celebration
Once the tassels turn, Oakland is ready to celebrate. Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants are minutes away — perfect for a graduation dinner — and the Bay Trail along the estuary makes for a relaxing morning-after stroll. Lake Merritt, the Oakland Museum of California, and the redwoods up in the hills are all a short drive, giving visiting family plenty to fill the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should my family stay for a Bay Area graduation?
Executive Inn & Suites and Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel are two waterfront Oakland hotels on Embarcadero Cove, centrally located for graduations across Oakland and the East Bay, including a short drive to UC Berkeley. Both offer parking at just $17 per night and free breakfast when you book direct.
How early should I book for graduation weekend?
As early as possible. Graduation weekends are among the busiest of the year and rooms sell out well in advance, so reserve once you know your dates.
Do you have room for the whole family?
Yes — with 143 rooms including 19 suites at Executive Inn & Suites, plus the nearby Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel, there's space for visiting family. Ask about multiple rooms for larger groups.
Is there a discount for a longer stay?
Yes — our Stay Longer, Save More rate saves you up to 25% the longer you stay (some blackouts apply), which is ideal when family comes in for several nights.
How far is UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley is a short drive from both hotels, and the wider East Bay's campuses and high schools are all within easy reach. The campus is worth visiting on its own — take a guided tour or head up the Campanile for views across the Bay.
What can the family do between the ceremony and dinner?
Plenty within a short drive: walk the loop at Lake Merritt or rent a paddleboat, visit the Oakland Museum of California, or head up into the hills for the redwoods at Redwood Regional Park. Jack London Square's waterfront is minutes from both hotels.
Where can we celebrate after the ceremony?
Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants are minutes away and perfect for a graduation dinner, with a scenic Bay Trail stroll along the estuary nearby.
What's included with my stay?
Free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, a waterfront pool and spa, fitness center, and parking at just $17 per night when you book direct.
Learn about our Value Adding Amenities
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Start your day with or without carbs! We have a wonderful continental breakfast that includes individually packaged muffins and granola bars as well as hot breakfast sandwiches.
Complimentary WiFi
Our superfast WiFi impresses even meeting planners! We’ve had many virtual meetings held at the hotel and the connection speed impresses all. Most say “Whoa whoa whoa” but our nerdy tech staff have clocked it at 507 MB to download and 410 MB to upload, varies with devices.
Parking
Our parking is a great deal of only $17 per day* for standard size vehicles. If you have a bus full of people or require more than 1 parking space, we have plenty of free street parking right in front of the hotel.
In-Room Perks
All rooms have coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves. We also have individually controlled air conditioning and heating.
Standard Stuff
Like most hotels, YES we have blow dryers, ironing boards, irons, shampoo and the like. But we also have should you have forgotten some essential toiletries at the front desk.
Outdoor Waterfront Pool
Even with so much to see and do in the Oakland area, it’s nice to have the option of relaxing poolside after a strenuous day of sightseeing (or business). You and your family can relax and have fun in – or around – our beautiful waterfront pool and spa.
Green is Clean
To save water, energy and less interruptions of guests, our hotel follows a green program that has is fully clean rooms after a three night stay.
Fitness Center
Our hotel fitness center includes a multi-purpose station as well as cardio equipment, allowing you to get an awesome workout in while you are away from home.
Electric Car Charging Station
We now offer two level 2 electric car charging stations that can charge at 80Amps. While you stay with us, charging is 100% complimentary!
Shuttle Service
Journey Through Oakland with Our Shuttle Service! We're excited to announce that starting June 1st, 2023, our 6-person shuttle service is returning to the streets of Oakland.
Explore Our Rooms
Gorgeous King Water View Suite
Pamper yourself with these luxurious well-appointed junior suites. Featuring a large open space to sprawl out and enjoy everything our suites have to offer.
Beautiful King Water View Room
Spacious well-appointment accommodations that are perfect for 1 or 2 people traveling on business or leisure whose goal is to relax and unwind.
Beautiful Double Queen Water View Room
These well-appointed rooms are perfect for 2 to 4 travelers. Relax on your balcony or walk-out patio and see why we are the ideal choice for any sized family.
Traditional King City View Room
Perfect for 1 or 2 travelers on a budget but are still looking to receive tons of great amenities.
Traditional Double Queen City View Room
Great for up to 4 people, 2 queen beds, that’s easier on the wallet while not missing out on the all important amenities.
Traditional King City View ADA Room
Handicap accessible rooms have the all important accessibility features without taking away from an amazing hotel experience.
See what our guests say
Enjoyed our stay
"The room was exceptionally large, quite, clean and accommodating and had great amenities. It was a Fabulous Getaway with a view of the water and a terrace and very convenient to restaurants and nightlife at Jack London Square. Excellent staff as well.
The staff was very helpful and went above and beyond to comply with all of our requests. Their shuttle drove us to and from local restaurants and night clubs. Their complimentary breakfast buffet was wonderful. We extended our stay another night but wished we could have stayed longer."
The view was amazing!
"Stayed at the Executive Inn and Suites for well over a year on a weekly basis and I never had a bad experience! I experienced both the pre- and post-remodeling of the facility and it's very glamorous and comfortable. I was comfortable in the pre-remodeled facility, but it was a delight when the rooms were remodeled. The facilities were updated and are quite stylish and comfortable. I was fortunate to have a waterfront room, and the view was amazing! I took advantage of the pool and hot tub and again was quite pleased. I even used the workout area facilities. I was very satisfied with the physical property; even the outside area was well groomed and well maintained."
Great Time!
"The room is spacious, very clean and nice view. Breakfast was excellent. Check-out time of Noon is more than acceptable. With the exception of the bed sheets, as I am accustomed to 450 or over thread, I'll have to bring my own silk sack."
